President Nechirvan Barzani held a series of high-profile diplomatic meetings at the Munich Security Conference, focusing on strengthening the Kurdistan Region’s ties with international allies and addressing regional security concerns, particularly the ongoing fight against ISIS.

Meeting with Italian Defense Minister

On Friday morning, President Barzani met with Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto to discuss enhancing bilateral relations between the Kurdistan Region and Italy. The discussions highlighted Italy’s continued support in training and equipping the Peshmerga forces as part of the international coalition against ISIS. President Barzani expressed his gratitude for Italy’s contributions and stressed the necessity of sustained international backing to eliminate ISIS completely. Minister Crosetto reaffirmed Italy’s commitment to supporting the Kurdistan Region and emphasized the importance of security cooperation.

Talks with German Defense Minister

President Barzani also met with German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, where they exchanged insights regarding regional security and the ongoing threat of ISIS, particularly in Syria. President Barzani thanked Germany for its continued military and humanitarian support to both Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. Minister Pistorius reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with the Kurdistan Region and Iraq in counterterrorism efforts.

Meeting with Qatari Minister of State for Foreign Affairs

In a separate meeting, President Barzani held talks with Dr. Mohammed Al-Khulaifi, Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. The discussion focused on Qatar’s evolving relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, as well as recent developments in the Middle East, particularly the situation in Syria. Both parties underscored the importance of fostering peace and stability in the region, with President Barzani highlighting the necessity of safeguarding Kurdish rights and ensuring their meaningful participation in shaping Syria’s future.

Discussion with German State Secretary

Continuing his engagements, President Barzani met with Hans-Georg Engelke, State Secretary at the German Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community. Their discussions centered on enhancing security collaboration between Germany, Iraq, and the Kurdistan Region, particularly concerning illegal immigration, crime prevention, and Erbil-Baghdad relations. President Barzani extended his sympathies to Germany following a recent terrorist attack in Munich, offering condolences to the affected families and the German government.

Meeting with U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen

President Barzani also engaged in discussions with U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen, a long-time supporter of Kurdistan. The President expressed appreciation for the U.S. Congress's ongoing support, while Senator Van Hollen praised the Kurdistan Region’s role in maintaining regional stability. Their talks also covered recent developments in the Middle East and their broader implications.

Talks with Kuwaiti Prime Minister

In his final meeting of the day, President Barzani met with Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. The discussions focused on strengthening Kuwait-Iraq relations, Erbil-Baghdad ties, and regional stability. Both leaders emphasized the historical ties between Kuwait and Kurdistan, reaffirming the need for deeper cooperation across various sectors and stressing the importance of counterterrorism measures to combat ongoing ISIS threats.

President Nechirvan Barzani’s series of meetings at the Munich Security Conference underscore the Kurdistan Region’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships, ensuring regional security, and reinforcing its role in the fight against terrorism.